1
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Dyer GM, Khomenko S, Adlakha D, Anenberg S, Angelova J, Behnisch M, Boeing G, Chen X, Cirach M, de Hoogh K, Roux AVD, Esperon-Rodriguez M, Flueckiger B, Gasparrini A, Iungman T, Khreis H, Kondo MC, Masselot P, McDonald RI, Montana F, Mitchell R, Mueller N, Nawaz MO, Pereira E, Pisoni E, Prieto-Curiel R, Rezaei N, Rybski D, Ramasco JJ, Schifanella R, Shabou S, Tatah L, Taubenböck H, Tonne C, Velázquez-Cortés D, Woodcock J, Zhang Q, Nieuwenhuijsen M. Commentary: A road map for future data-driven urban planning and environmental health research. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 155:105340. [PMID: 39351125 PMCID: PMC7616649 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2024.105340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in data science and urban environmental health research utilise large-scale databases (100s-1000s of cities) to explore the complex interplay of urban characteristics such as city form and size, climate, mobility, exposure, and environmental health impacts. Cities are still hotspots of air pollution and noise, suffer urban heat island effects and lack of green space, which leads to disease and mortality burdens preventable with better knowledge. Better understanding through harmonising and analysing data in large numbers of cities is essential to identifying the most effective means of disease prevention and understanding context dependencies important for policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia M.C. Dyer
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029Madrid, Spain
| | - Sasha Khomenko
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029Madrid, Spain
| | - Deepti Adlakha
- Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 5, 2628Delft, Netherlands
| | - Susan Anenberg
- George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 20052, New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, District of Colombia, United States
| | - Julianna Angelova
- Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd, Fort Myers, 33965Florida, United States
| | - Martin Behnisch
- Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Weberpl 1, 01217Dresden, Germany
| | - Geoff Boeing
- University of Southern California, 90007Los Angeles, United States
| | - Xuan Chen
- Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marta Cirach
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029Madrid, Spain
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Ana V. Diez Roux
- Drexel University, 3215 Market Street, 19104Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | | | - Antonio Gasparrini
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, WC1E 7HT, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara Iungman
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029Madrid, Spain
| | - Haneen Khreis
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge University, CB2 0AHCambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle C. Kondo
- USDA-Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 100 North 20th Street, Ste 205, 19103Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Pierre Masselot
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, WC1E 7HT, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert I. McDonald
- The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, 22203Virginia, United States
| | - Federica Montana
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029Madrid, Spain
| | - Rich Mitchell
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, 90 Byres Road, GlasgowG20 0TY, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Mueller
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Omar Nawaz
- George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 20052, New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, District of Colombia, United States
| | - Evelise Pereira
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrico Pisoni
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 2749Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Nazanin Rezaei
- University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, 95064California, United States
| | - Diego Rybski
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Telegrafenberg, 14473Potsdam, Germany
| | - José J. Ramasco
- Instituto de Fisica Interdisciplinar and Sistemas Complejos IFISC (CSIC-UIB), 07122Palma, Spain
| | | | - Saif Shabou
- World Resources Institute, 10 G Street, NE Suite 800, 20002Washington, DC, United States
| | - Lambed Tatah
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge University, CB2 0AHCambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Cathryn Tonne
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Velázquez-Cortés
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029Madrid, Spain
| | - James Woodcock
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge University, CB2 0AHCambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Qin Zhang
- Technical University of Munich Institute for Advanced Study, Lichtenbergstrasse 2a, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029Madrid, Spain
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2
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Cao Y, Li G. Extensive inequality of residential greenspace exposure within urban areas in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174625. [PMID: 38992390 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Ensuring residents' equal access to high quality urban greenspace is vital for urban environmental justice and sustainable urban development. However, most previous studies have mainly focused on greenspace quantity, overlooking its quality. Moreover, the national-level spatial distribution pattern of residential greenspace exposure (RGE) within urban areas remains unclear. Here, we have improved the existing RGE assessment framework by integrating both the quality and quantity of urban greenspace to evaluate RGE and its associated inequality across 119,692 blocks in 334 Chinese cities in 2020. We find that the spatial distribution pattern of RGE varies with urban size. Large cities exhibit a distinct clustering of low RGE in their central areas, whereas small cities tend to show a pronounced clustering of high RGE in the central areas. RGE in Chinese cities indicates extensive inequality, as the average RGE of high-exposed people is nearly four times greater than that of low-exposed people. Moreover, residents in larger cities are more prone to experiencing greater inequalities compared to those in smaller cities. We also find that the landscape metrics (i.e., connectance index and mean Euclidean nearest-neighbor distance) of greenspace possess a strong explanatory power (R2 = 0.431) for the observed inequality. Our study underscores the importance of optimizing the landscape structure of urban greenspace and enhancing equality in the quality of greenspace. These findings provide novel insights for urban greenspace planning and promoting urban environmental justice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Cao
- Key Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangdong Li
- Key Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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3
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Zhou Y, Lu Y. Health effects of greenspace morphology: Large, irregular-shaped, well-connected, and close-clustered greenspaces may reduce mortality risks, especially for neighborhoods with higher aging levels. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:120095. [PMID: 39362458 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
The healthcare burden has intensified with urbanization and aging populations in many global cities. While the health effects of urban greenspaces have been well documented, little is known about the associations between greenspace morphological features and health, especially in a high-density city with significant aging populations. Drawing on land use data with 10-m resolution, we assessed seven greenspace morphological metrics in terms of size (the percentage of greenspace, the largest pixel index, the average greenspace area), fragmentation (the patch density), shape (the average weighted shape index), connectedness (the cohesion index), and proximity (the aggregation index). We further conducted an ecological study to examine their associations with all-cause and three cause-specific (cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancer) mortality. Results from the negative binomial regression models revealed protective effects of five greenspace morphology metrics, including the percentage of greenspace, the largest pixel index, the average weighted shape index, the cohesion index, and the aggregation index, on mortality. The shape index showed the greatest effects, with every 1 Standard Deviation (SD) increase in the shape index linked to a reduction of 22.1% (95% CI: 22.0%-31.0%) in all-cause mortality, 22.1% (12.2%-30.8%) in mortality from cardiovascular diseases, 25.0% (14.0%-34.6%) in mortality from respiratory diseases, and 22.0% (12.3%-30.6%) in mortality from cancers. Moreover, stratified analyses revealed that the health effects of the cohesion index and the aggregation index were significantly more pronounced in neighborhoods with higher aging levels. Our findings highlight the significance of greenspace morphology features, beyond greenspace quantity, in improving residents' health, particularly for societies with high aging populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhou
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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4
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van Haaften M, Gardebroek C, Heijman W, Meuwissen MMP. Injuries and deaths due to tree failure in The Netherlands: analysis of observational data from 1998-2021. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22415. [PMID: 39341864 PMCID: PMC11438965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-73716-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Urban and roadside trees contribute to health and resilience. However, when trees or branches fall, it can cause injuries or deaths. This study examined trends and variations of injuries and deaths due to tree failure in The Netherlands from 1998 to 2021, considering urban-rural location, sex, age and traffic mode. This study is the first to describe long-term trends in injuries and deaths due to tree failure from 1998-2021. The standardised rate of injuries per 1,000,000 population increased from 0.14 (SE 0.10) in 1998 to 0.91 (SE 0.21) in 2021, with an annual percentage increase of 5.3% (p = 0.002). The data shows a strong increase for rural areas, contrary to urban ones. The annual percentage increase in rural areas was 13.2% (p < 0.001) while injuries in urban areas increased with 3.0% (p = 0.026), which revealed large urban-rural disparities. A trend was absent in the frequency of deaths. More attention needs to be given to investigating causes, drivers and stressors associated with tree failure-related injuries. In particular, efforts should be made to reduce the prevalence in rural areas. The increase in injuries over time makes it necessary to create awareness and share knowledge among residents and local governments about tree failure risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinus van Haaften
- Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Domain Agri, Food and Life Sciences, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Cornelis Gardebroek
- Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Heijman
- Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miranda M P Meuwissen
- Business Economics Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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5
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Dyer GMC, Khomenko S, Adlakha D, Anenberg S, Behnisch M, Boeing G, Esperon-Rodriguez M, Gasparrini A, Khreis H, Kondo MC, Masselot P, McDonald RI, Montana F, Mitchell R, Mueller N, Nawaz MO, Pisoni E, Prieto-Curiel R, Rezaei N, Taubenböck H, Tonne C, Velázquez-Cortés D, Nieuwenhuijsen M. Exploring the nexus of urban form, transport, environment and health in large-scale urban studies: A state-of-the-art scoping review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119324. [PMID: 38844028 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the world becomes increasingly urbanised, there is recognition that public and planetary health relies upon a ubiquitous transition to sustainable cities. Disentanglement of the complex pathways of urban design, environmental exposures, and health, and the magnitude of these associations, remains a challenge. A state-of-the-art account of large-scale urban health studies is required to shape future research priorities and equity- and evidence-informed policies. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this review was to synthesise evidence from large-scale urban studies focused on the interaction between urban form, transport, environmental exposures, and health. This review sought to determine common methodologies applied, limitations, and future opportunities for improved research practice. METHODS Based on a literature search, 2958 articles were reviewed that covered three themes of: urban form; urban environmental health; and urban indicators. Studies were prioritised for inclusion that analysed at least 90 cities to ensure broad geographic representation and generalisability. Of the initially identified studies, following expert consultation and exclusion criteria, 66 were included. RESULTS The complexity of the urban ecosystem on health was evidenced from the context dependent effects of urban form variables on environmental exposures and health. Compact city designs were generally advantageous for reducing harmful environmental exposure and promoting health, with some exceptions. Methodological heterogeneity was indicative of key urban research challenges; notable limitations included exposure and health data at varied spatial scales and resolutions, limited availability of local-level sociodemographic data, and the lack of consensus on robust methodologies that encompass best research practice. CONCLUSION Future urban environmental health research for evidence-informed urban planning and policies requires a multi-faceted approach. Advances in geospatial and AI-driven techniques and urban indicators offer promising developments; however, there remains a wider call for increased data availability at local-levels, transparent and robust methodologies of large-scale urban studies, and greater exploration of urban health vulnerabilities and inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia M C Dyer
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sasha Khomenko
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Deepti Adlakha
- Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 5, 2628, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Susan Anenberg
- Environmental and Occupational Health Department, George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 20052, New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, District of Colombia, United States
| | - Martin Behnisch
- Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Weberpl 1, 01217, Dresden, Germany
| | - Geoff Boeing
- University of Southern California, 90007, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia; School of Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Antonio Gasparrini
- Environment & Health Modelling (EHM) Lab, Department of Public Health Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, WC1E 7HT, London, United Kingdom
| | - Haneen Khreis
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge University, CB2 0AH, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle C Kondo
- USDA-Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 100 North 20th Street, Ste 205, 19103, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Pierre Masselot
- Environment & Health Modelling (EHM) Lab, Department of Public Health Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, WC1E 7HT, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert I McDonald
- The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, 22203, Virginia, United States
| | - Federica Montana
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rich Mitchell
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, 90 Byres Road, Glasgow, G20 0TY, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Mueller
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Omar Nawaz
- Environmental and Occupational Health Department, George Washington University, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 20052, New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, District of Colombia, United States
| | - Enrico Pisoni
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 2749, Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Nazanin Rezaei
- University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, 95064, California, United States
| | - Hannes Taubenböck
- German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Earth Observation Center (EOC), 82234, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany; Institute for Geography and Geology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cathryn Tonne
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Velázquez-Cortés
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Melchor Fern'andez Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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6
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Mizen A, Thompson DA, Watkins A, Akbari A, Garrett JK, Geary R, Lovell R, Lyons RA, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Parker SC, Rowney FM, Song J, Stratton G, Wheeler BW, White J, White MP, Williams S, Rodgers SE, Fry R. The use of Enhanced Vegetation Index for assessing access to different types of green space in epidemiological studies. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:753-760. [PMID: 38424359 PMCID: PMC11446865 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00650-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to green space can protect against poor health through a variety of mechanisms. However, there is heterogeneity in methodological approaches to exposure assessments which makes creating effective policy recommendations challenging. OBJECTIVE Critically evaluate the use of a satellite-derived exposure metric, the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), for assessing access to different types of green space in epidemiological studies. METHODS We used Landsat 5-8 (30 m resolution) to calculate average EVI for a 300 m radius surrounding 1.4 million households in Wales, UK for 2018. We calculated two additional measures using topographic vector data to represent access to green spaces within 300 m of household locations. The two topographic vector-based measures were total green space area stratified by type and average private garden size. We used linear regression models to test whether EVI could discriminate between publicly accessible and private green space and Pearson correlation to test associations between EVI and green space types. RESULTS Mean EVI for a 300 m radius surrounding households in Wales was 0.28 (IQR = 0.12). Total green space area and average private garden size were significantly positively associated with corresponding EVI measures (β = < 0.0001, 95% CI: 0.0000, 0.0000; β = 0.0001, 95% CI: 0.0001, 0.0001 respectively). In urban areas, as average garden size increases by 1 m2, EVI increases by 0.0002. Therefore, in urban areas, to see a 0.1 unit increase in EVI index score, garden size would need to increase by 500 m2. The very small β values represent no 'measurable real-world' associations. When stratified by type, we observed no strong associations between greenspace and EVI. IMPACT It is a widely implemented assumption in epidiological studies that an increase in EVI is equivalent to an increase in greenness and/or green space. We used linear regression models to test associations between EVI and potential sources of green reflectance at a neighbourhood level using satellite imagery from 2018. We compared EVI measures with a 'gold standard' vector-based dataset that defines publicly accessible and private green spaces. We found that EVI should be interpreted with care as a greater EVI score does not necessarily mean greater access to publicly available green spaces in the hyperlocal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Mizen
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
| | | | - Alan Watkins
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Ashley Akbari
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Joanne K Garrett
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Rebecca Geary
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rebecca Lovell
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - Ronan A Lyons
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sarah C Parker
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Francis M Rowney
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Gareth Stratton
- ASTEM Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Benedict W Wheeler
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
| | - James White
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mathew P White
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Truro, UK
- Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Sarah E Rodgers
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard Fry
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
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7
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Zhang F, Chen J, Han A, Li D, Zhu W. The effects of fine particulate matter, solid fuel use and greenness on the risks of diabetes in middle-aged and older Chinese. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:780-786. [PMID: 37169800 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00551-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies provided clues that environmental factors were closely related to diabetes incidence. However, the evidence from high-quality and large cohort studies about the effects of PM2.5, solid fuel use and greenness on the development of diabetes among middle-aged and older adults in China was scarce. OBJECTIVE To separately investigate the independent effects of PM2.5, solid fuel use and greenness on the development of diabetes among middle-aged and older adults. METHODS A total of 9242 participants were involved in this study extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Time-varying Cox regression was applied to detect the association of diabetes with PM2.5, solid fuel use and greenness, separately. The potential interactive effect of air pollution and greenness were explored using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). RESULTS Per 10 μg/m3 increases in PM2.5 were associated with 6.0% (95% CI: 1.9, 10.2) increasing risks of diabetes incidence. Females seemed to be more susceptible to PM2.5. However, the effects of solid fuel use only existed in older and lower BMI populations, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.404 (1.116, 1.766) and 1.346 (1.057, 1.715), respectively. In addition, exposure to high-level greenness might reduce the risks of developing diabetes [HR = 0.801 (0.687, 0.934)]. Weak evidence of the interaction effect of PM2.5/solid fuel use and greenness on diabetes was found. SIGNIFICANCE Both PM2.5 and solid fuel use were associated with the increasing incidence of diabetes. In addition, high-level greenness might be a beneficial environmental factor for reducing the risks of developing diabetes. All in all, our findings might provide valuable references for public health apartments to formulate very fruitful policies to reduce the burden of diabetes. IMPACT STATEMENT Both PM2.5 and solid fuel use were associated with the increasing incidence of diabetes while high-level greenness was not, which might provide valuable references for public health apartments to make policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faxue Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jiahao Chen
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Aojing Han
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Dejia Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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Helbich M, Burov A, Dimitrova D, Markevych I, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ, Dzhambov AM. Sleep problems mediate the association between outdoor nighttime light and symptoms of depression and anxiety: A cross-sectional, multi-city study in Bulgaria. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:119897. [PMID: 39222728 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nighttime light is a growing anthropogenic health threat, particularly in urban areas. Limited evidence suggests that exposure to outdoor artificial light at night (ALAN) may be associated with people's mental health by disrupting sleep-wake cycles. AIMS We assessed 1) the association between ALAN exposure and adults' symptoms of depression and anxiety, 2) whether the association was modified by sex, age, and income, and 3) the mediating role of sleep problems. METHODS We obtained cross-sectional data from 4,068 adults from the five largest Bulgarian cities. Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4). Sleep problems were self-reported based on three items. Outdoor ALAN at residential addresses was assessed using annual radiance levels obtained from satellite imagery. Regression models were adjusted for person-level characteristics, green space, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). We also assessed effect modification by sex, age, and income. Using mediation analyses, we tested sleep problems as a mediator of the ALAN-PHQ-4 association. RESULTS Greater ALAN exposure in the fully adjusted model was marginally associated with higher PHQ-4 scores. We observed no effect modification. The mediator, sleep problems, was also positively associated with ALAN. The mediation of sleep problems was significantly positive. While the direct association was null, the total ALAN association was marginally and positively associated with PHQ-4 scores. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a positive association between outdoor nighttime light pollution and mental health. Poor sleep quality is a possible pathway relating ALAN exposure to mental health. Considering the increasing ubiquity and intensity of urban nighttime illumination, light pollution-reducing policies may provide significant health benefits for urban populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Helbich
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment Research Group, Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Angel Burov
- Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment Research Group, Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Donka Dimitrova
- Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment Research Group, Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Iana Markevych
- Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment Research Group, Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen
- Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment Research Group, Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel M Dzhambov
- Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment Research Group, Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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9
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Peer MY, Mir MS, Vanapalli KR, Mohanty B. Road traffic noise pollution and prevalence of ischemic heart disease: modelling potential association and abatement strategies in noise-exposed areas. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:749. [PMID: 39026120 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12916-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
In many developing countries with surging vehicular traffic and inadequate traffic management, excessive road traffic noise exposure poses substantial health concerns, linked to increased stress, insomnia and other metabolic disorders. This study aims to assess the linkage between sociodemographic factors, traffic noise levels in residential areas and health effects using a cross-sectional study analyzing respondents' perceptions and reports. Noise levels were measured at 57 locations in Srinagar, India, using noise level meter. Sound PLAN software was employed to generate noise contour maps, enabling the visualization of noise monitoring locations and facilitating the assessment of noise levels along routes in proximity to residential areas. Correlation analysis showed a strong linear relationship between field-measured and modelled noise (r2 = 0.88). Further, a questionnaire-based survey was carried out near the sampling points to evaluate the association of ischemic heart disease with traffic noise. Residents exposed to noise levels (Lden > 60 dB(A)) were found to have a 2.24 times higher odds ratio. Compared to females, males reported a 16% higher prevalence of the disease. Multi-faceted policy strategies involving noise mapping initiatives, source noise standards, traffic flow urban mobility optimization, smart city initiatives and stringent litigatory measures could significantly reduce its detrimental impact on public health. Finally, this study envisions a region-specific strong regulatory framework for integrating noise pollution mitigation strategies into the public health action plans of developing nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzzamil Yaseen Peer
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Aizawl, Mizoram, India.
| | - Mohammad Shafi Mir
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Kumar Raja Vanapalli
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Aizawl, Mizoram, India.
| | - Bijayananda Mohanty
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
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Wen Y, Li Y, Zhang Y, Liu B. Comprehensive evaluation of global health cities development levels. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1437647. [PMID: 39091532 PMCID: PMC11291463 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1437647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction How to scientifically assess the health status of cities and effectively assist in formulating policies and planning for health city development remains a profound challenge in building a global "health community." Methods This study employs the Building Research Establishment's International Healthy Cities Index (BRE HCI), encompassing ten environmental categories and fifty-eight indicators, to guide and support the scientific development of healthy cities. The entropy weight-TOPSIS method and the rank sum ratio (RSR) method were applied to comprehensively rank and categorize the health development levels of fifteen global cities. Furthermore, through cluster analysis, this research identifies universal and unique indicators that influence the development of healthy cities. Results The results indicate that: (1) Within the scope of 58 evaluation indicators, the precedence in weight allocation is accorded to the kilometres of bicycle paths and lanes per 100,000 population (0.068), succeeded by m2 of public indoor recreation space per capita (0.047), and kilometres of bicycle paths and lanes per 100,000 population (0.042). (2) Among the ten environmental categories, the top three in terms of weight ranking are transport (0.239), leisure and recreation (0.172), and resilience (0.125). Significant disparities exist between different cities and environmental categories, with the issue of uneven health development within cities being particularly prominent. (3) The study categorizes the development levels of healthy cities into three tiers based on composite scores: it classifies Singapore, Shanghai, and Amsterdam at an excellent level; places Dubai and Johannesburg at a comparatively poor level; and situates the remaining ten cities at a moderate level. (4) The analysis identifies 53 international common indicators and 5 characteristic indicators from the 58 indicators based on the significance of the clustering analysis (p < 0.05). Discussion The study proposes four strategic recommendations based on these findings: establishing a comprehensive policy assurance system, refining urban spatial planning, expanding avenues for multi-party participation, and augmenting distinctive health indicators. These measures aim to narrow the developmental disparities between cities and contribute to healthy global cities' balanced and sustainable growth. However, due to existing limitations in sample selection, research methodology application, and the control of potential confounding variables, further in-depth studies are required in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wen
- School of Arts and Design, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Yulan Li
- School of Arts and Design, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hebei University of Environmental Engineering, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Bingbing Liu
- School of Arts and Design, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
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11
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Iungman T, Khomenko S, Barboza EP, Cirach M, Gonçalves K, Petrone P, Erbertseder T, Taubenböck H, Chakraborty T, Nieuwenhuijsen M. The impact of urban configuration types on urban heat islands, air pollution, CO 2 emissions, and mortality in Europe: a data science approach. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e489-e505. [PMID: 38969476 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world is becoming increasingly urbanised. As cities around the world continue to grow, it is important for urban planners and policy makers to understand how different urban configuration patterns affect the environment and human health. However, previous studies have provided mixed findings. We aimed to identify European urban configuration types, on the basis of the local climate zones categories and street design variables from Open Street Map, and evaluate their association with motorised traffic flows, surface urban heat island (SUHI) intensities, tropospheric NO2, CO2 per person emissions, and age-standardised mortality. METHODS We considered 946 European cities from 31 countries for the analysis defined in the 2018 Urban Audit database, of which 919 European cities were analysed. Data were collected at a 250 m × 250 m grid cell resolution. We divided all cities into five concentric rings based on the Burgess concentric urban planning model and calculated the mean values of all variables for each ring. First, to identify distinct urban configuration types, we applied the Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection for Dimension Reduction method, followed by the k-means clustering algorithm. Next, statistical differences in exposures (including SUHI) and mortality between the resulting urban configuration types were evaluated using a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post-hoc Dunn's test. FINDINGS We identified four distinct urban configuration types characterising European cities: compact high density (n=246), open low-rise medium density (n=245), open low-rise low density (n=261), and green low density (n=167). Compact high density cities were a small size, had high population densities, and a low availability of natural areas. In contrast, green low density cities were a large size, had low population densities, and a high availability of natural areas and cycleways. The open low-rise medium and low density cities were a small to medium size with medium to low population densities and low to moderate availability of green areas. Motorised traffic flows and NO2 exposure were significantly higher in compact high density and open low-rise medium density cities when compared with green low density and open low-rise low density cities. Additionally, green low density cities had a significantly lower SUHI effect compared with all other urban configuration types. Per person CO2 emissions were significantly lower in compact high density cities compared with green low density cities. Lastly, green low density cities had significantly lower mortality rates when compared with all other urban configuration types. INTERPRETATION Our findings indicate that, although the compact city model is more sustainable, European compact cities still face challenges related to poor environmental quality and health. Our results have notable implications for urban and transport planning policies in Europe and contribute to the ongoing discussion on which city models can bring the greatest benefits for the environment, climate, and health. FUNDING Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, State Research Agency, Generalitat de Catalunya, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red Epidemiología y Salud Pública, and Urban Burden of Disease Estimation for Policy Making as a Horizon Europe project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Iungman
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sasha Khomenko
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Evelise Pereira Barboza
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Cirach
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Karen Gonçalves
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Petrone
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Thilo Erbertseder
- German Aerospace Center, Earth Observation Center, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany
| | - Hannes Taubenböck
- German Aerospace Center, Earth Observation Center, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany; Institute for Geography and Geology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tirthankar Chakraborty
- Atmospheric, Climate, and Earth Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Nieuwenhuijsen M, de Nazelle A, Pradas MC, Daher C, Dzhambov AM, Echave C, Gössling S, Iungman T, Khreis H, Kirby N, Khomenko S, Leth U, Lorenz F, Matkovic V, Müller J, Palència L, Pereira Barboza E, Pérez K, Tatah L, Tiran J, Tonne C, Mueller N. The Superblock model: A review of an innovative urban model for sustainability, liveability, health and well-being. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118550. [PMID: 38432569 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current urban and transport planning practices have significant negative health, environmental, social and economic impacts in most cities. New urban development models and policies are needed to reduce these negative impacts. The Superblock model is one such innovative urban model that can significantly reduce these negative impacts through reshaping public spaces into more diverse uses such as increase in green space, infrastructure supporting social contacts and physical activity, and through prioritization of active mobility and public transport, thereby reducing air pollution, noise and urban heat island effects. This paper reviews key aspects of the Superblock model, its implementation and initial evaluations in Barcelona and the potential international uptake of the model in Europe and globally, focusing on environmental, climate, lifestyle, liveability and health aspects. METHODS We used a narrative meta-review approach and PubMed and Google scholar databases were searched using specific terms. RESULTS The implementation of the Super block model in Barcelona is slow, but with initial improvement in, for example, environmental, lifestyle, liveability and health indicators, although not so consistently. When applied on a large scale, the implementation of the Superblock model is not only likely to result in better environmental conditions, health and wellbeing, but can also contribute to the fight against the climate crisis. There is a need for further expansion of the program and further evaluation of its impacts and answers to related concerns, such as environmental equity and gentrification, traffic and related environmental exposure displacement. The implementation of the Superblock model gained a growing international reputation and variations of it are being planned or implemented in cities worldwide. Initial modelling exercises showed that it could be implemented in large parts of many cities. CONCLUSION The Superblock model is an innovative urban model that addresses environmental, climate, liveability and health concerns in cities. Adapted versions of the Barcelona Superblock model are being implemented in cities around Europe and further implementation, monitoring and evaluation are encouraged. The Superblock model can be considered an important public health intervention that will reduce mortality and morbidity and generate cost savings for health and other sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiolog'ıa y Salud Pu'blica (CIBERESP), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Audrey de Nazelle
- Centre for Environmental Policy Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Cirach Pradas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiolog'ıa y Salud Pu'blica (CIBERESP), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolyn Daher
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Cynthia Echave
- Architecture School La Salle University Ramon Llull, C. Quatre Camins 2, 08022, Barcelona, Spain; Transfer and Knowledge Society, Department of Universities and Research, Generalitat de Catalunya, Via Laietana 2, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stefan Gössling
- School of Business and Economics, Linnaeus University, 391 82, Kalmar, Sweden; Western Norway Research Institute, 6851, Sogndal, Norway
| | - Tamara Iungman
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiolog'ıa y Salud Pu'blica (CIBERESP), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Haneen Khreis
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolina Kirby
- Research Institute for Sustainability, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, Berliner Straße 130, 14467, Potsdam, Germany; University of Stuttgart, HLRS, Nobelstraße 19, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sasha Khomenko
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiolog'ıa y Salud Pu'blica (CIBERESP), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ulrich Leth
- Research Unit of Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering, Institute of Transportation, TU Wien, Karlplatz 13, 1040, Wien, Austria
| | - Florian Lorenz
- LAUT - Landscape Architecture and Urban Transformation, Thurngasse 10/5, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Vlatka Matkovic
- Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), Avenue des Arts 7/8, 1210, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johannes Müller
- Center for Energy, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Giefinggasse 4, 1210, Wien, Austria
| | - Laia Palència
- CIBER Epidemiolog'ıa y Salud Pu'blica (CIBERESP), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. Lesseps 1, 08023, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), C. Sant Quintí 77, 08041, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Evelise Pereira Barboza
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiolog'ıa y Salud Pu'blica (CIBERESP), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Katherine Pérez
- CIBER Epidemiolog'ıa y Salud Pu'blica (CIBERESP), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Pl. Lesseps 1, 08023, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), C. Sant Quintí 77, 08041, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lambed Tatah
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jernej Tiran
- Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Anton Melik Geographical Institute, Novi trg 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cathryn Tonne
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiolog'ıa y Salud Pu'blica (CIBERESP), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalie Mueller
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiolog'ıa y Salud Pu'blica (CIBERESP), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
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Labib SM. Greenness, air pollution, and temperature exposure effects in predicting premature mortality and morbidity: A small-area study using spatial random forest model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172387. [PMID: 38608883 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although studies have provided negative impacts of air pollution, heat or cold exposure on mortality and morbidity, and positive effects of increased greenness on reducing them, a few studies have focused on exploring combined and synergetic effects of these exposures in predicting these health outcomes, and most had ignored the spatial autocorrelation in analyzing their health effects. This study aims to investigate the health effects of air pollution, greenness, and temperature exposure on premature mortality and morbidity within a spatial machine-learning modeling framework. METHODS Years of potential life lost reflecting premature mortality and comparative illness and disability ratio reflecting chronic morbidity from 1673 small areas covering Greater Manchester for the year 2008-2013 obtained. Average annual levels of NO2 concentration, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) representing greenness, and annual average air temperature were utilized to assess exposure in each area. These exposures were linked to health outcomes using non-spatial and spatial random forest (RF) models while accounting for spatial autocorrelation. RESULTS Spatial-RF models provided the best predictive accuracy when accounted for spatial autocorrelation. Among the exposures considered, air pollution emerged as the most influential in predicting mortality and morbidity, followed by NDVI and temperature exposure. Nonlinear exposure-response relations were observed, and interactions between exposures illustrated specific ranges or sweet and sour spots of exposure thresholds where combined effects either exacerbate or moderate health conditions. CONCLUSION Air pollution exposure had a greater negative impact on health compared to greenness and temperature exposure. Combined exposure effects may indicate the highest influence of premature mortality and morbidity burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Labib
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
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14
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Mao Y, Xia T, Hu F, Chen D, He Y, Bi X, Zhang Y, Cao L, Yan J, Hu J, Ren Y, Xu H, Zhang J, Zhang L. The greener the living environment, the better the health? Examining the effects of multiple green exposure metrics on physical activity and health among young students. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118520. [PMID: 38401683 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The sedentary and less active lifestyle of modern college students has a significant impact on the physical and mental well-being of the college community. Campus Green Spaces (GSs) are crucial in promoting physical activity and improving students' health. However, previous research has focused on evaluating campuses as a whole, without considering the diverse spatial scenarios within the campus environment. Accordingly, this study focused on the young people's residential scenario in university and constructed a framework including a comprehensive set of objective and subjective GSs exposure metrics. A systematic, objective exposure assessment framework ranging from 2D (GSs areas), and 2.5D (GSs visibility) to 3D (GSs volume) was innovatively developed using spatial analysis, deep learning technology, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) measurement technology. Subjective exposure metrics incorporated GSs visiting frequency, GSs visiting duration, and GSs perceived quality. Our cross-sectional study was based on 820 university students in Nanjing, China. Subjective measures of GSs exposure, physical activity, and health status were obtained through self-reported questionnaires. The Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was used to evaluate the associations between GSs exposure, physical activity, and perceived health. Physical activity and social cohesion were considered as mediators, and path analysis based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to disentangle the mechanisms linking GSs exposure to the health status of college students. We found that (1) 2D indicator suggested significant associations with health in the 100m buffer, and the potential underlying mechanisms were: GSs area → Physical activity → Social cohesion → Physical health → Mental health; GSs area → Physical activity → Social cohesion → Mental health. (2) Subjective GSs exposure indicators were more relevant in illustrating exposure-response relationships than objective ones. This study can clarify the complex nexus and mechanisms between campus GSs, physical activity, and health, and provide a practical reference for health-oriented campus GSs planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuheng Mao
- Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Tianyu Xia
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| | - Fan Hu
- College of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Yichen He
- Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore.
| | - Xing Bi
- Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Yangcen Zhang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Lu Cao
- Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus, 500 Yarra Blvd, Richmond, Victoria, 3121, Australia.
| | - Jingheng Yan
- Department of Geography and Planning, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Jinyu Hu
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| | - Yanzi Ren
- School of Built Environment, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Physical Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| | - Jinguang Zhang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
| | - Liqing Zhang
- Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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15
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Singh N, Buczyłowska D, Baumbach C, Bratkowski J, Mysak Y, Wierzba-Łukaszyk M, Sitnik-Warchulska K, Skotak K, Lipowska M, Izydorczyk B, Szwed M, Dzhambov AM, Markevych I. Pathways linking greenspace to behavioural problems in Polish children. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31435. [PMID: 38818196 PMCID: PMC11137514 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Previous cross-sectional studies have found a beneficial relationship between greenspace and children's behaviour. Nevertheless, evidence on the mechanisms underlying this association remains scant. We examined whether the availability of greenspace was related to fewer behavioural problems in Polish children and investigated potential mechanisms. Methods Data were obtained from the case-control NeuroSmog study, in which children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were tested from October 2020 to September 2022. The analytic sample comprised 679 children aged 10-13 years. Parents reported internalizing, externalizing, and total behavioural problems using the Child Behaviour Check List (CBCL), as well as information about the presence of a domestic garden and potential mediators: greenspace perception, neighbourhood social cohesion, and physical activity. Tree and grass covers were extracted in 500 m and 1 km buffers around lifelong residences. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the psychosocial pathways linking the greenspace metrics to behavioural problems. Results Greenspace was only indirectly related to fewer behavioural problems. Specifically, tree cover was related to greater levels of physical activity which, in turn, was related to fewer internalizing and total behavioural problems. Tree cover and presence of garden were related to greenspace perception which, in turn, was associated with higher neighbourhood social cohesion which, in turn, was linked to fewer behavioural problems. The patterns of associations in children without ADHD were very similar to those in the full sample except that the associations from garden to greenspace perception and from physical activity to total behavioural problems were no longer significant. The only association persisted among girls was from neighbourhood social cohesion to behavioural problems and among boys were from tree cover to physical activity and tree cover and garden to greenspace perception. Conclusion Trees and garden, but not grass, are linked to fewer behavioural problems through greenspace perception, neighbourhood social cohesion, and physical activity in Polish children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitika Singh
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Social Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Clemens Baumbach
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jakub Bratkowski
- Institute of Environmental Protection-National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Yarema Mysak
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | - Krzysztof Skotak
- Institute of Environmental Protection-National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lipowska
- Faculty of Management and Social Communication, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Institute of Psychology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Marcin Szwed
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Angel M. Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute for Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Research Group “Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment”, SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Iana Markevych
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Research Group “Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment”, SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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16
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Banwell N, Michel S, Senn N. Greenspaces and Health: Scoping Review of studies in Europe. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606863. [PMID: 38831866 PMCID: PMC11144923 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Access to greenspaces and contact with nature can promote physical activity and have positive effects on physical and mental health. This scoping literature review aims to examine current evidence linking greenspaces and (a) behaviour change, (b) health outcomes and (c) co-benefits. Methods This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA scoping review guidelines. Searches were conducted through PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies published between 2000 and March 2023 with a focus on Europe. Results 122 scientific articles and grey literature reports were identified. Access to greenspaces is positively associated with physical and mental health, and reduced risk of all-cause mortality and some non-communicable diseases. Greenspace quality is associated with increased physical activity and reduced risk of obesity. Nature-based therapies or green prescription are effective in improving mental health outcomes and overall health. Importantly, numerous co-benefits of greenspaces are identified. Conclusion Increasing access to greenspaces for populations with particular attention to greenspace quality is important for co-benefits. Responsible governance and use of greenspaces are crucial to minimize public health risks and human disturbance of nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Banwell
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Research in Ethics (CIRE), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Michel
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Senn
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Chan TC, Lee PH, Lee YT, Tang JH. Exploring the spatial association between the distribution of temperature and urban morphology with green view index. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301921. [PMID: 38743681 PMCID: PMC11093354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Urban heat islands will occur if city neighborhoods contain insufficient green spaces to create a comfortable environment, and residents' health will be adversely affected. Current satellite imagery can only effectively identify large-scale green spaces and cannot capture street trees or potted plants within three-dimensional building spaces. In this study, we used a deep convolutional neural network semantic segmentation model on Google Street View to extract environmental features at the neighborhood level in Taipei City, Taiwan, including the green vegetation index (GVI), building view factor, and sky view factor. Monthly temperature data from 2018 to 2021 with a 0.01° spatial resolution were used. We applied a linear mixed-effects model and geographically weighted regression to explore the association between pedestrian-level green spaces and ambient temperature, controlling for seasons, land use information, and traffic volume. Their results indicated that a higher GVI was significantly associated with lower ambient temperatures and temperature differences. Locations with higher traffic flows or specific land uses, such as religious or governmental, are associated with higher ambient temperatures. In conclusion, the GVI from street-view imagery at the community level can improve the understanding of urban green spaces and evaluate their effects in association with other social and environmental indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Chien Chan
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung Campus, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Hsien Lee
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Lee
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Hong Tang
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Zhou Y, Lu Y, Wei D, He S. Impacts of social deprivation on mortality and protective effects of greenness exposure in Hong Kong, 1999-2018: A spatiotemporal perspective. Health Place 2024; 87:103241. [PMID: 38599046 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Addressing health inequality is crucial for fostering healthy city development. However, there is a dearth of literature simultaneously investigating the effects of social deprivation and greenness exposure on mortality risks, as well as how greenness exposure may mitigate the adverse effect of social deprivation on mortality risks from a spatiotemporal perspective. Drawing on socioeconomic, remote sensing, and mortality record data, this study presents spatiotemporal patterns of social deprivation, population weighted greenness exposure, and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Hong Kong. A Bayesian regression model was applied to investigate the impacts of social deprivation and greenness exposure on mortality and examine how socioeconomic inequalities in mortality may vary across areas with different greenness levels in Hong Kong from 1999 to 2018. We observed a decline in social deprivation (0.67-0.56), and an increase in greenness exposure (0.34-0.41) in Hong Kong during 1999-2018. Areas with high mortality gradually clustered in the Kowloon Peninsula and the northern regions of Hong Kong Island. Adverse impacts of social deprivation on all-cause mortality weakened in recent years (RR from 2009 to 2013: 1.103, 95%CI: 1.051-1.159, RR from 2014 to 2018: 1.041 95%CI: 0.950-1.139), while the protective impacts of greenness exposure consistently strengthened (RR from 1999 to 2003: 0.903, 95%CI: 0.827-0.984, RR from 2014 to 2018: 0.859, 95%CI: 0.763-0.965). Moreover, the adverse effects of social deprivation on mortality risks were found to be higher in areas with lower greenness exposure. These findings provide evidence of associations between social deprivation, greenness exposure, and mortality risks in Hong Kong over the past decades, and highlight the potential of greenness exposure to mitigate health inequalities. Our study provides valuable implications for policymakers to develop a healthy city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhou
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Di Wei
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Engineering and Technology Research Center of Urbanization, Wuhan, China.
| | - Shenjing He
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, Urban Systems Institute, And the Social Infrastructure for Equity and Wellbeing Lab, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, China.
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19
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Aguilar-Lacasaña S, Fontes Marques I, de Castro M, Dadvand P, Escribà X, Fossati S, González JR, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Alfano R, Annesi-Maesano I, Brescianini S, Burrows K, Calas L, Elhakeem A, Heude B, Hough A, Isaevska E, W V Jaddoe V, Lawlor DA, Monaghan G, Nawrot T, Plusquin M, Richiardi L, Watmuff A, Yang TC, Vrijheid M, F Felix J, Bustamante M. Green space exposure and blood DNA methylation at birth and in childhood - A multi-cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108684. [PMID: 38776651 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Green space exposure has been associated with improved mental, physical and general health. However, the underlying biological mechanisms remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between green space exposure and cord and child blood DNA methylation. Data from eight European birth cohorts with a total of 2,988 newborns and 1,849 children were used. Two indicators of residential green space exposure were assessed: (i) surrounding greenness (satellite-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in buffers of 100 m and 300 m) and (ii) proximity to green space (having a green space ≥ 5,000 m2 within a distance of 300 m). For these indicators we assessed two exposure windows: (i) pregnancy, and (ii) the period from pregnancy to child blood DNA methylation assessment, named as cumulative exposure. DNA methylation was measured with the Illumina 450K or EPIC arrays. To identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs) we fitted robust linear regression models between pregnancy green space exposure and cord blood DNA methylation and between cumulative green space exposure and child blood DNA methylation. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted: (i) without adjusting for cellular composition, and (ii) adjusting for air pollution. Cohort results were combined through fixed-effect inverse variance weighted meta-analyses. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified from meta-analysed results using the Enmix-combp and DMRcate methods. There was no statistical evidence of pregnancy or cumulative exposures associating with any DMP (False Discovery Rate, FDR, p-value < 0.05). However, surrounding greenness exposure was inversely associated with four DMRs (three in cord blood and one in child blood) annotated to ADAMTS2, KCNQ1DN, SLC6A12 and SDK1 genes. Results did not change substantially in the sensitivity analyses. Overall, we found little evidence of the association between green space exposure and blood DNA methylation. Although we identified associations between surrounding greenness exposure with four DMRs, these findings require replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Aguilar-Lacasaña
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Irene Fontes Marques
- Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Montserrat de Castro
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | - Payam Dadvand
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | - Xavier Escribà
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | - Serena Fossati
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | - Juan R González
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | - Rossella Alfano
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IDESP), Montpellier University and Inserm, Montpellier, Service des Maladies Allergiques et Respiratoires, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Sonia Brescianini
- Centre for Behavioural Science and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Kimberley Burrows
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lucinda Calas
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, INRAE, Center for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), F-75004 Paris, France
| | - Ahmed Elhakeem
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Barbara Heude
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, INRAE, Center for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), F-75004 Paris, France
| | - Amy Hough
- Born in Bradford, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, UK
| | - Elena Isaevska
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Deborah A Lawlor
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Genevieve Monaghan
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Richiardi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - Aidan Watmuff
- Born in Bradford, Wolfson Centre for Applied Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, UK
| | - Tiffany C Yang
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | - Janine F Felix
- Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
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20
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Rajagopalan S, Ramaswami A, Bhatnagar A, Brook RD, Fenton M, Gardner C, Neff R, Russell AG, Seto KC, Whitsel LP. Toward Heart-Healthy and Sustainable Cities: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2024; 149:e1067-e1089. [PMID: 38436070 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Nearly 56% of the global population lives in cities, with this number expected to increase to 6.6 billion or >70% of the world's population by 2050. Given that cardiometabolic diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in people living in urban areas, transforming cities and urban provisioning systems (or urban systems) toward health, equity, and economic productivity can enable the dual attainment of climate and health goals. Seven urban provisioning systems that provide food, energy, mobility-connectivity, housing, green infrastructure, water management, and waste management lie at the core of human health, well-being, and sustainability. These provisioning systems transcend city boundaries (eg, demand for food, water, or energy is met by transboundary supply); thus, transforming the entire system is a larger construct than local urban environments. Poorly designed urban provisioning systems are starkly evident worldwide, resulting in unprecedented exposures to adverse cardiometabolic risk factors, including limited physical activity, lack of access to heart-healthy diets, and reduced access to greenery and beneficial social interactions. Transforming urban systems with a cardiometabolic health-first approach could be accomplished through integrated spatial planning, along with addressing current gaps in key urban provisioning systems. Such an approach will help mitigate undesirable environmental exposures and improve cardiovascular and metabolic health while improving planetary health. The purposes of this American Heart Association policy statement are to present a conceptual framework, summarize the evidence base, and outline policy principles for transforming key urban provisioning systems to heart-health and sustainability outcomes.
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21
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Opbroek J, Pereira Barboza E, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Dadvand P, Mueller N. Urban green spaces and behavioral and cognitive development in children: A health impact assessment of the Barcelona "Eixos Verds" Plan (Green Axis Plan). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117909. [PMID: 38103780 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban environments lack natural features, while nature exposure in cities has been associated with health benefits, including children's neurodevelopment. Through extensive street greening, Barcelona's Eixos Verds (Green Axis) Plan enhances safety, environment, and climate resilience. We aimed to assess the Eixos Verds Plan's potential impact on children's behavioral and cognitive development due to the increased green space expected under the Eixos Verds implementation. METHODS We performed a quantitative health impact assessment for Barcelona children at census-tract level (n = 1068). We assessed the Eixos Verds Plan's impact by comparing baseline green space distribution with the proposed plan, translating it into percentage green area (%GA) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). By combining these exposure metrics with child-specific risk estimates and population data, we estimated potential improvements in children's behavioral and cognitive development due to full Eixos Verds implementation. RESULTS With the full Eixos Verds implementation, citywide, %GA increased by 6.9% (IQR: 6.4%; range: 0-23.1%) and NDVI by 0.065 (IQR: 0.083; range: 0.000-0.194). Child behavioral and cognitive development outcomes are expected to improve compared to the baseline. Based on NDVI increases, children's Total Difficulties and Hyperactivity/Inattention scores, based on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), are projected to decrease by 5% (95% CI: 0-15%) and 6% (95% CI: 0-17%). Working Memory and Superior Working Memory scores are expected to increase by 4% and 5%, respectively, based on the computerized n-back test, while the Inattentiveness score could be reduced by 1%, based on the computerized attentional test (ANT). INTERPRETATION Urban greening as planning tool can improve behavioral and cognitive development in city children. Methods and results of our study are applicable to many cities worldwide, and similar results for children of real-life urban greening interventions can be expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jet Opbroek
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Evelise Pereira Barboza
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Payam Dadvand
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalie Mueller
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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22
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Côté JN, Germain M, Levac E, Lavigne E. Vulnerability assessment of heat waves within a risk framework using artificial intelligence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169355. [PMID: 38123103 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Current efforts to adapt to climate change are not sufficient to reduce projected impacts. Vulnerability assessments are essential to allocate resources where they are needed most. However, current assessments that use principal component analysis suffer from multiple shortcomings and are hard to translate into concrete actions. To address these issues, this article proposes a novel data-driven vulnerability assessment within a risk framework. The framework is based on the definitions from the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, but some definitions, such as sensitivity and adaptive capacity, are clarified. Heat waves that occurred between 2001 and 2018 in Quebec (Canada) are used to validate the framework. The studied impact is the daily mortality rates per cooling degree-days (CDD) region. A vulnerability map is produced to identify the distributions of summer mortality rates in aggregate dissemination areas within each CDD region. Socioeconomic and environmental variables are used to calculate impact and vulnerability. We compared abilities of AutoGluon (an AutoML framework), Gaussian process, and deep Gaussian process to model the impact and vulnerability. We offer advice on how to avoid common pitfalls with artificial intelligence and machine-learning algorithms. Gaussian process is a promising approach for supporting the proposed framework. SHAP values provide an explanation for the model results and are consistent with current knowledge of vulnerability. Recommendations are made to implement the proposed framework quantitatively or qualitatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Nicolas Côté
- Department of Applied Geomatics, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke J1K 2R1, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Mickaël Germain
- Department of Applied Geomatics, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke J1K 2R1, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Levac
- Department of Environment, Agriculture and Geography, Bishop's University, 2600 College St., Sherbrooke J1M 1Z7, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Lavigne
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Rigaud M, Buekers J, Bessems J, Basagaña X, Mathy S, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Slama R. The methodology of quantitative risk assessment studies. Environ Health 2024; 23:13. [PMID: 38281011 PMCID: PMC10821313 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01039-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Once an external factor has been deemed likely to influence human health and a dose response function is available, an assessment of its health impact or that of policies aimed at influencing this and possibly other factors in a specific population can be obtained through a quantitative risk assessment, or health impact assessment (HIA) study. The health impact is usually expressed as a number of disease cases or disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to or expected from the exposure or policy. We review the methodology of quantitative risk assessment studies based on human data. The main steps of such studies include definition of counterfactual scenarios related to the exposure or policy, exposure(s) assessment, quantification of risks (usually relying on literature-based dose response functions), possibly economic assessment, followed by uncertainty analyses. We discuss issues and make recommendations relative to the accuracy and geographic scale at which factors are assessed, which can strongly influence the study results. If several factors are considered simultaneously, then correlation, mutual influences and possibly synergy between them should be taken into account. Gaps or issues in the methodology of quantitative risk assessment studies include 1) proposing a formal approach to the quantitative handling of the level of evidence regarding each exposure-health pair (essential to consider emerging factors); 2) contrasting risk assessment based on human dose-response functions with that relying on toxicological data; 3) clarification of terminology of health impact assessment and human-based risk assessment studies, which are actually very similar, and 4) other technical issues related to the simultaneous consideration of several factors, in particular when they are causally linked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Rigaud
- Inserm, University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Jurgen Buekers
- VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Mol, Belgium
| | - Jos Bessems
- VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, Mol, Belgium
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Sandrine Mathy
- CNRS, University Grenoble Alpes, INRAe, Grenoble INP, GAEL, Grenoble, France
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Rémy Slama
- Inserm, University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IAB, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France.
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Whitmee S, Green R, Belesova K, Hassan S, Cuevas S, Murage P, Picetti R, Clercq-Roques R, Murray K, Falconer J, Anton B, Reynolds T, Sharma Waddington H, Hughes RC, Spadaro J, Aguilar Jaber A, Saheb Y, Campbell-Lendrum D, Cortés-Puch M, Ebi K, Huxley R, Mazzucato M, Oni T, de Paula N, Peng G, Revi A, Rockström J, Srivastava L, Whitmarsh L, Zougmoré R, Phumaphi J, Clark H, Haines A. Pathways to a healthy net-zero future: report of the Lancet Pathfinder Commission. Lancet 2024; 403:67-110. [PMID: 37995741 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02466-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Whitmee
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Rosemary Green
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kristine Belesova
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Syreen Hassan
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Soledad Cuevas
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peninah Murage
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Roberto Picetti
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Romain Clercq-Roques
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kris Murray
- MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Jane Falconer
- Library, Archive & Open Research Services, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Blanca Anton
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tamzin Reynolds
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Hugh Sharma Waddington
- Environmental Health Group, Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; London International Development Centre, London, UK
| | - Robert C Hughes
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joseph Spadaro
- Spadaro Environmental Research Consultants (SERC), Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kristie Ebi
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, Hans Rosling Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rachel Huxley
- C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mariana Mazzucato
- Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tolu Oni
- Global Diet and Activity Research Group, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicole de Paula
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy; Women Leaders for Planetary Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gong Peng
- University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Aromar Revi
- Indian Institute for Human Settlements Tharangavana, Bengaluru, India
| | - Johan Rockström
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Leena Srivastava
- Ashoka Centre for a People-centric Energy Transition, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Robert Zougmoré
- AICCRA, International Crops Research for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Bamako, Mali
| | - Joy Phumaphi
- African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Helen Clark
- Helen Clark Foundation, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andy Haines
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Fian L, White MP, Arnberger A, Thaler T, Heske A, Pahl S. Nature visits, but not residential greenness, are associated with reduced income-related inequalities in subjective well-being. Health Place 2024; 85:103175. [PMID: 38266374 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Nature exposure can promote human health and well-being. Additionally, there is some, albeit mixed, evidence that this relationship is stronger for socio-economically disadvantaged groups (equigenesis). Using a cross-sectional survey of the Austrian population (N = 2300), we explored the relationships between both residential greenness and recreational nature visits, and affective (WHO-5 Well-Being Index) and evaluative (Personal Well-Being Index-7) subjective well-being. Partially supporting the equigenesis hypothesis, regression analyses controlling for potential confounders found that recreational visit frequency, but not residential greenness, moderated the effect of income-related disparities in both subjective well-being metrics. Results suggest that merely making neighborhoods greener may not itself help reduce inequalities in subjective well-being. Additionally, greater efforts are also needed to support individuals from all sectors of society to access natural settings for recreation as this could significantly improve the well-being of some of the poorest in society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Fian
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Mathew P White
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Cognitive Science HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Environment and Climate Research HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arne Arnberger
- Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Thaler
- Institute of Landscape Planning (ILAP), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Heske
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Pahl
- Urban and Environmental Psychology Group, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Environment and Climate Research HUB, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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26
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Korpisaari M, Puhakka S, Farrahi V, Niemelä M, Tulppo MP, Ikäheimo T, Korpelainen R, Lankila T. Physical activity, residential greenness, and cardiac autonomic function. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14505. [PMID: 37767772 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This population-based study examines the associations between physical activity (PA), residential environmental greenness, and cardiac health measured by resting short-term heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS Residential greenness of a birth cohort sample (n = 5433) at 46 years was measured with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) by fixing a 1 km buffer around each participant's home. Daily light PA (LPA), moderate PA (MPA), vigorous PA (VPA), and the combination of both (MVPA) were measured using a wrist-worn accelerometer for 14 days. Resting HRV was measured with a heart rate monitor, and generalized additive modeling (GAM) was used to examine the association between PA, NDVI, and resting HRV. RESULTS In nongreen areas, men had less PA at all intensity levels compared to men in green areas. Women had more LPA and total PA and less MPA, MVPA, and VPA in green residential areas compared to nongreen areas. In green residential areas, men had more MPA, MVPA, and VPA than women, whereas women had more LPA than men. GAM showed positive linear associations between LPA, MVPA and HRV in all models. CONCLUSIONS Higher LPA and MVPA were significantly associated with increased HRV, irrespective of residential greenness. Greenness was positively associated with PA at all intensity levels in men, whereas in women, a positive association was found for LPA and total PA. A positive relationship of PA with resting HRV and greenness with PA was found. Residential greenness for promoting PA and heart health in adults should be considered in city planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Korpisaari
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Geography Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Soile Puhakka
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Geography Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Vahid Farrahi
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland
- Institute for Sport and Sport Sciences, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Maisa Niemelä
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Oulu, Finland
- Centre for Wireless Communications, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Mikko P Tulppo
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tiina Ikäheimo
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Raija Korpelainen
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tiina Lankila
- Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Oulu Deaconess Institute Foundation sr., Oulu, Finland
- Geography Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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27
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Brambilla E, Petersen E, Stendal K, Sundling V, MacIntyre TE, Calogiuri G. Effects of immersive virtual nature on nature connectedness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241234639. [PMID: 38533309 PMCID: PMC10964443 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241234639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study systematically summarizes the extant literature on the impacts of immersive virtual nature (IVN) on nature connectedness in the general population. Methods Papers were considered eligible if peer-reviewed, in English language, comprising experimental or quasi-experimental trials, including at least one outcome relative to nature connectedness in the general population. Database search was conducted on Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline, and GreenFILE (22-28 November 2021). Risk of bias was established by the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Data synthesis was conducted through meta-analysis according with the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Group guidelines. Results Six eligible papers (9 studies; n = 730) were selected, in which IVN was compared to (i) non-immersive virtual nature, (ii) immersive virtual built environments, (iii) non-immersive virtual built environments, and (iv) actual nature. The risk of bias was predominantly "low" or of "some concerns." Meta-analyses showed a statistically significant overall effect for the first (g = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.06-0.45; I2 = 35%) and fourth group (g = -1.98; 95% CI = -3.21 to -0.75; I2 = 96%), the former in favor of IVN and the latter in favor of actual nature. Subgroup analyses were conducted for the first and second groups of studies to explore possible sources of heterogeneity. The small number of studies available limits the validity of the outcomes of the meta-analyses. Conclusion The findings indicate that IVN may be an effective tool for the promotion of nature connectedness, although the evidence in this field is still limited and largely mixed. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Brambilla
- Centre for Health and Technology, Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Evi Petersen
- Department of Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Studies, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karen Stendal
- Department of Business, Marketing and Law, University of South-Eastern Norway, Ringerike, Norway
| | - Vibeke Sundling
- Department of Optometry, Radiography and Lighting Design, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Tadhg E MacIntyre
- All Institute, Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Irlanda
| | - Giovanna Calogiuri
- Centre for Health and Technology, Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
- Section for Public Health, Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Science, Elverum, Norway
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28
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Nieuwenhuijsen MJ. Cities at the heart of the climate action and public health agenda. Lancet Public Health 2024; 9:e8-e9. [PMID: 38109911 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00305-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
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Luo S, Wang Y, Mayvaneh F, Relvas H, Baaghideh M, Wang K, Yuan Y, Yin Z, Zhang Y. Surrounding greenness is associated with lower risk and burden of low birth weight in Iran. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7595. [PMID: 37989742 PMCID: PMC10663448 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43425-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The nexus between prenatal greenspace exposure and low birth weight (LBW) remains largely unstudied in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We investigated a nationwide retrospective cohort of 4,021,741 live births (263,728 LBW births) across 31 provinces in Iran during 2013-2018. Greenness exposure during pregnancy was assessed using satellite-based normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI). We estimated greenness-LBW associations using multiple logistic models, and quantified avoidable LBW cases under scenarios of improved greenspace through counterfactual analyses. Association analyses provide consistent evidence for approximately L-shaped exposure-response functions, linking 7.0-11.5% declines in the odds of LBW to each 0.1-unit rise in NDVI/EVI with multiple buffers. Assuming causality, 3931-5099 LBW births can be avoided by achieving greenness targets of mean NDVI/EVI, amounting to 4.4-5.6% of total LBW births in 2015. Our findings suggest potential health benefits of improved greenspace in lowering LBW risk and burden in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Luo
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Institute of Social Development and Health Management, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430065, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Institute of Social Development and Health Management, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430065, Wuhan, China
| | - Fatemeh Mayvaneh
- Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, 9617916487, Khorasan Razavi, Iran.
| | - Helder Relvas
- CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mohammad Baaghideh
- Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, 9617916487, Khorasan Razavi, Iran
| | - Kai Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Institute of Social Development and Health Management, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430065, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yuan
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Institute of Social Development and Health Management, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430065, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhouxin Yin
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Institute of Social Development and Health Management, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430065, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunquan Zhang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Institute of Social Development and Health Management, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 430065, Wuhan, China.
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Pereira Barboza E, Montana F, Cirach M, Iungman T, Khomenko S, Gallagher J, Thondoo M, Mueller N, Keune H, MacIntyre T, Nieuwenhuijsen M. Environmental health impacts and inequalities in green space and air pollution in six medium-sized European cities. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116891. [PMID: 37595831 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The GoGreenRoutes project aims to introduce co-created nature-based solutions (NBS) to enhance environmental quality in six medium-sized cities (Burgas, Lahti, Limerick, Tallinn, Umeå, and Versailles). We estimated the mortality and economic impacts attributed to suboptimal exposure to green space and air pollution, economic impacts, and the distribution thereof the adult population by socioeconomic status. METHODS We retrieved data from publicly accessible databases on green space (NDVI and % Green Area), air pollution (NO2 and PM2.5) and population (≥20 years, n = 804,975) at a 250m × 250m grid-cell level, and mortality for each city for 2015. We compared baseline exposures at the grid-cell to World Health Organization's recommendations and guidelines. We applied a comparative risk assessment to estimate the mortality burden attributable to not achieving the recommendations and guidelines. We estimated attributable mortality distributions and the association with income levels. RESULTS We found high variability in air pollution and green spaces levels. Around 60% of the population lacked green space and 90% were exposed to harmful air pollution. Overall, we estimated age-standardized mortality rates varying from 10 (Umeå) to 92 (Burgas) deaths per 100,000 persons attributable to low NDVI levels; 3 (Lahti) to 38 (Burgas) per 100,000 persons to lack of % Green Area; 1 (Umeå) to 88 (Tallinn) per 100,000 persons to exceedances of NO2 guidelines; and 1 (Umeå) to 206 (Burgas) per 100,000 persons to exceedances of PM2.5 guidelines. Lower income associated with higher or lower mortality impacts depending on whether deprived populations lived in the densely constructed, highly-trafficked city centre or greener, less polluted outskirts. CONCLUSIONS We attributed a considerable mortality burden to lack of green spaces and higher air pollution, which was unevenly distributed across different social groups. NBS and health-promoting initiatives should consider socioeconomic aspects to regenerate urban areas while providing equally good environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelise Pereira Barboza
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | | | - Marta Cirach
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | - Tamara Iungman
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | - Sasha Khomenko
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | | | - Meelan Thondoo
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain; University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Mueller
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain
| | | | | | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Spain.
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Liu J, Huang B, Ding F, Li Y. Environment factors, DNA methylation, and cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:7543-7568. [PMID: 37715840 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Today, the rapid development of science and technology and the rapid change in economy and society are changing the way of life of human beings and affecting the natural, living, working, and internal environment on which human beings depend. At the same time, the global incidence of cancer has increased significantly yearly, and cancer has become the number one killer that threatens human health. Studies have shown that diet, living habits, residential environment, mental and psychological factors, intestinal flora, genetics, social factors, and viral and non-viral infections are closely related to human cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of the environment and cancer development remain to be further explored. In recent years, DNA methylation has become a key hub and bridge for environmental and cancer research. Some environmental factors can alter the hyper/hypomethylation of human cancer suppressor gene promoters, proto-oncogene promoters, and the whole genome, causing low/high expression or gene mutation of related genes, thereby exerting oncogenic or anticancer effects. It is expected to develop early warning markers of cancer environment based on DNA methylation, thereby providing new methods for early detection of cancers, diagnosis, and targeted therapy. This review systematically expounds on the internal mechanism of environmental factors affecting cancer by changing DNA methylation, aiming to help establish the concept of cancer prevention and improve people's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lan Zhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lan Zhou, China
| | - Binjie Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lan Zhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lan Zhou, China
| | - Feifei Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lan Zhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lan Zhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lan Zhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lan Zhou, China.
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Li Q, Liu Y, Yang L, Ge J, Chang X, Zhang X. The impact of urban green space on the health of middle-aged and older adults. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1244477. [PMID: 37900020 PMCID: PMC10602898 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1244477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Urban green space is one of the most closely related ecosystem services to residents' lives, and it can be regarded as a preventive public health measure. Residents living in parks and other green environments can help improve their physical and mental health, reduce stress and even prevent crime and violence. Therefore, based on the actual situation in China, this paper analyzes the relationship between urban green space and the health of middle-aged and older adults and its mechanisms. Methods This study used multiple linear regression, based the data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2013, 2015, and 2018, to explore the relationship between urban green space and the health of middle-aged and older adults. At the same time, group regression was conducted to identify the heterogeneity of health effects of urban green space. Results The research shows that the increase of urban green space areas can significantly improve the health status of middle-aged and older adults. After a series of robustness tests, the results are still valid. In addition, the health effects of urban green space are different because of gender, age, education level, marital status residence, geographical location of the respondents and park quantity distribution. Further research found that reducing hot weather and optimizing air quality are the potential mechanisms of urban green space affecting the health of middle-aged and older adults, providing new evidence for the causal mechanism between urban green space and the health of middle-aged and older adults. Discussion This study expanded the research scope of the impact of urban green space on the health of middle-aged and older adults, covering a representative sample in China. The results show that urban green space has an important impact on the health of middle-aged and older adults. Policy suggestions are made to help cities optimize the landscape and residents to enjoy ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangyi Li
- School of Economics and Management, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
- Development Institute of Zhujiang-Xijiang Economic Zone, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
- Economics and Management School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yangqing Liu
- School of Economics and Management, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Lan Yang
- School of Economics and Management, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Jiexiao Ge
- School of Economics and Management, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiaona Chang
- School of Economics and Management, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
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Münzel T, Sørensen M, Hahad O, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Daiber A. The contribution of the exposome to the burden of cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2023; 20:651-669. [PMID: 37165157 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-023-00873-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Large epidemiological and health impact assessment studies at the global scale, such as the Global Burden of Disease project, indicate that chronic non-communicable diseases, such as atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus, caused almost two-thirds of the annual global deaths in 2020. By 2030, 77% of all deaths are expected to be caused by non-communicable diseases. Although this increase is mainly due to the ageing of the general population in Western societies, other reasons include the increasing effects of soil, water, air and noise pollution on health, together with the effects of other environmental risk factors such as climate change, unhealthy city designs (including lack of green spaces), unhealthy lifestyle habits and psychosocial stress. The exposome concept was established in 2005 as a new strategy to study the effect of the environment on health. The exposome describes the harmful biochemical and metabolic changes that occur in our body owing to the totality of different environmental exposures throughout the life course, which ultimately lead to adverse health effects and premature deaths. In this Review, we describe the exposome concept with a focus on environmental physical and chemical exposures and their effects on the burden of cardiovascular disease. We discuss selected exposome studies and highlight the relevance of the exposome concept for future health research as well as preventive medicine. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of exposome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Münzel
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Mette Sørensen
- Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Natural Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Omar Hahad
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), PRBB building (Mar Campus), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreas Daiber
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany
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Fernandes A, Krog NH, McEachan R, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Julvez J, Márquez S, de Castro M, Urquiza J, Heude B, Vafeiadi M, Gražulevičienė R, Slama R, Dedele A, Aasvang GM, Evandt J, Andrusaityte S, Kampouri M, Vrijheid M. Availability, accessibility, and use of green spaces and cognitive development in primary school children. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122143. [PMID: 37423460 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Green spaces may have beneficial impacts on children's cognition. However, few studies explored the exposure to green spaces beyond residential areas, and their availability, accessibility and uses at the same time. The aim of the present study was to describe patterns of availability, accessibility, and uses of green spaces among primary school children and to explore how these exposure dimensions are associated with cognitive development. Exposures to green space near home, school, commuting route, and other daily activity locations were assessed for 1607 children aged 6-11 years from six birth cohorts across Europe, and included variables related to: availability (NDVI buffers: 100, 300, 500 m), potential accessibility (proximity to a major green space: linear distance; within 300 m), and use (play time in green spaces: hours/year), and the number of visits to green spaces (times/previous week). Cognition measured as fluid intelligence, inattention, and working memory was assessed by computerized tests. We performed multiple linear regression analyses on pooled and imputed data adjusted for individual and area-level confounders. Availability, accessibility, and uses of green spaces showed a social gradient that was unfavorable in more vulnerable socioeconomic groups. NDVI was associated with more playing time in green spaces, but proximity to a major green space was not. Associations between green space exposures and cognitive function outcomes were not statistically significant in our overall study population. Stratification by socioeconomic variables showed that living within 300 m of a major green space was associated with improved working memory only in children in less deprived residential areas (β = 0.30, CI: 0.09,0.51), and that more time playing in green spaces was associated with better working memory only in children of highly educated mothers (β per IQR increase in hour/year = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.19). However, studying within 300 m of a major green space increased inattention scores in children in more deprived areas (β = 15.45, 95% CI: 3.50, 27.40).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Fernandes
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Norun Hjertager Krog
- Department of Air Quality and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rosemary McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, UK
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Julvez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience (NeuroÈpia), Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Sandra Márquez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat de Castro
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Urquiza
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Heude
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, INRAE, Center for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), F-75004, Paris, France
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
| | | | - Rémy Slama
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) and Université Grenoble-Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Audrius Dedele
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Gunn Marit Aasvang
- Department of Air Quality and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jorunn Evandt
- Department of Air Quality and Noise, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sandra Andrusaityte
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Mariza Kampouri
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Borgi M, Collacchi B, Cirulli F, Medda E. Reduction in the use of green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mental health. Health Place 2023; 83:103093. [PMID: 37527570 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Our study examined the use of green spaces before and during the pandemic in a large cohort of Italian twins and evaluated its impact on measures of mental health (depressive, anxiety, stress symptoms). Twins were analysed as individuals and as pairs. A twin design approach was applied to minimize confounding by genetic and shared environmental factors. Questionnaires from 2,473 twins enrolled in the Italian Twin Registry were screened. Reduced green space use was associated with significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety and distress. Being a woman, residing in urban areas, and having a high perceived risk of the outbreak resulted in a higher likelihood to modify green space use, with a negative impact on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Borgi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Collacchi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Medda
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy
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Hunter RF, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Fabian C, Murphy N, O'Hara K, Rappe E, Sallis JF, Lambert EV, Duenas OLS, Sugiyama T, Kahlmeier S. Advancing urban green and blue space contributions to public health. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e735-e742. [PMID: 37633681 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Urban green and blue spaces (UGBS) have the potential to improve public health and wellbeing, address health inequities, and provide co-benefits for the environment, economy, and society. To achieve these ambitions, researchers should engage with communities, practitioners, and policy makers in a virtuous circle of research, policy, implementation, and active citizenship using the principles of co-design, co-implementation, co-evaluation, and co-translation. This Viewpoint provides an integrated perspective on the challenges that hinder the delivery of health-enhancing UGBS and recommendations to address them. Our recommendations include: strengthening the evidence beyond cross-sectional research designs, strengthening the evidence base on UGBS intervention approaches, evaluating the effects on diverse population groups and communities, addressing inequities in the distribution and quality of UGBS, accelerating research on blue space, providing evidence for environmental effects, incorporating co-design approaches, developing innovative modelling methods, fostering whole-system evidence, harnessing political drivers, creating collaborations for sustainable UGBS action, and advancing evidence in low-income and middle-income countries. The full potential of UGBS as public health, social, economic, and environmental assets is yet to be realised. Acting on the research and translation recommendations will aid in addressing these challenges in collaboration with research, policy, practice, and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carlo Fabian
- Institute for Social Work and Health, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Northwestern Switzerland FHNW, Otten, Switzerland
| | - Niamh Murphy
- School of Health Sciences, South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Kelly O'Hara
- Department of Sports Science, University Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Erja Rappe
- The Age Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - James Fleming Sallis
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, California, CA, USA; Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Estelle Victoria Lambert
- Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS), Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Takemi Sugiyama
- Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sonja Kahlmeier
- Department of Health, Swiss Distance University of Applied Science (FFHS), Zurich, Switzerland
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Kolster A, Heikkinen M, Pajunen A, Mickos A, Wennman H, Partonen T. Targeted health promotion with guided nature walks or group exercise: a controlled trial in primary care. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1208858. [PMID: 37766747 PMCID: PMC10520711 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1208858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Contact with nature promotes wellbeing through diverse pathways, providing a potential way of supporting health especially in primary care, where patients commonly suffer from multimorbidity and poor general health. Social prescribing is a non-pharmaceutical approach for improving health as well as social inclusion. This field study explores and compares the effects of a nature-based and an exercise-based social prescribing scheme on mental wellbeing and sleep, in a primary care population. Methods Primary care patients identified to benefit from a general improvement to their health were recruited by nurses, doctors, or social workers to this non-randomized, intention-to-treat, pilot field-study. Participants (n = 79) chose between the group interventions, either taking part in guided walks in nature, including immersion in a forest with high biodiversity, or participating in a versatile sports program. Mental wellbeing was assessed with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), with additional questions evaluating self-rated health and sleep. Impact on mental wellbeing was explored in relation to perceived health. The amount and quality of sleep was measured with wrist-worn accelerometers. With a focus on everyday life impacts, the assessments took place before and after the 8-week intervention. All participants lived in Sipoo, Finland, an area with abundant accessible green space. Results Participants (mean age 57 years, 79% female) rated their general and mental health lower than the general population. Participation in the Nature-group resulted in improved mental wellbeing (change in WEMWBS by 3.15, p = 0.008), with a positive change for feeling relaxed, being cheerful, having energy to spare, feeling able to deal well with problems, feeling good about oneself and feeling close to other people. The Sports-group was beneficial for those initially rating their health as good. Sleep duration improved in the Sports-group, while participants in the Nature-group reported better sleep quality. Following the interventions there was improvement in perceived health and ability to function in both groups, while perceived mental health improved only in the Nature-group. Conclusion We attest that even in areas surrounded by greenery, active interventions can further improve health in a primary care population, and that nature-based interventions are beneficial for those in poor health. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT05893212.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Kolster
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Health Services, Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, Espoo, Finland
| | - Malin Heikkinen
- Health and Social Welfare Service, Eastern Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, Sipoo, Finland
| | | | - Anders Mickos
- Primary Health Care Unit, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heini Wennman
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Partonen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
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Garber MD, Guidi M, Bousselot J, Benmarhnia T, Dean D, Rojas-Rueda D. Impact of native-plants policy scenarios on premature mortality in Denver: A quantitative health impact assessment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108050. [PMID: 37406368 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cities often use non-native plants such as turf grass to expand green space. Native plants, however, may require less water and maintenance and have co-benefits for local biodiversity, including pollinators. Previous studies estimating mortality averted by adding green space have not considered the provision of native plants as part of the greening policies. AIM We aim to estimate premature deaths that would be prevented by the implementation of native-plants policy scenarios in the City of Denver, Colorado, USA. METHODS After conducting interviews with local expert stakeholders, we designed four native-plants policy scenarios: (1) greening 30% of all city census-block groups to the greenness level of native plants, (2) adding 200-foot native-plants buffers around riparian areas, (3) constructing large water retention ponds landscaped with native plants, and (4) greening parking lots. We defined the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) corresponding to native plants by measuring the NDVI at locations with known native or highly diverse vegetation. Using a quantitative health-impact assessment approach, we estimated premature mortality averted under each scenario, comparing alternative NDVI with the baseline value. RESULTS In the most ambitious scenario, we estimated that 88 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 20, 128) annual premature deaths would be prevented by greening 30% of the area of census block groups with native plants. We estimated that greening 30% of parking-lot surface with native plants would prevent 14 annual deaths (95% UI: 7, 18), adding the native buffers around riparian areas would prevent 13 annual deaths (95% UI: 2, 20), and adding the proposed stormwater retention ponds would prevent no annual deaths (95% UI: 0, 1). CONCLUSION Using native plants to increase green spaces has the potential to prevent premature deaths in the City of Denver, but results were sensitive to the definition of native plants and the policy scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Garber
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science & Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Guidi
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Bousselot
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science & Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Dean
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - David Rojas-Rueda
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Lai KY, Webster C, Gallacher JE, Sarkar C. Associations of Urban Built Environment with Cardiovascular Risks and Mortality: a Systematic Review. J Urban Health 2023; 100:745-787. [PMID: 37580546 PMCID: PMC10447831 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00764-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
With rapid urbanization, built environment has emerged as a set of modifiable factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize evidence on the associations of attributes of urban built environment (e.g. residential density, land use mix, greenness and walkability) with cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. hypertension and arterial stiffness) and major CVD events including mortality. A total of 63 studies, including 31 of cross-sectional design and 32 of longitudinal design conducted across 21 geographical locations and published between 2012 and 2023 were extracted for review. Overall, we report moderately consistent evidence of protective associations of greenness with cardiovascular risks and major CVD events (cross-sectional studies: 12 of 15 on hypertension/blood pressure (BP) and 2 of 3 on arterial stiffness; and longitudinal studies: 6 of 8 on hypertension/BP, 7 of 8 on CVD mortality, 3 of 3 on ischemic heart disease mortality and 5 of 8 studies on stroke hospitalization or mortality reporting significant inverse associations). Consistently, walkability was associated with lower risks of hypertension, arterial stiffness and major CVD events (cross-sectional studies: 11 of 12 on hypertension/BP and 1 of 1 on arterial stiffness; and longitudinal studies: 3 of 6 on hypertension/BP and 1 of 2 studies on CVD events being protective). Sixty-seven percent of the studies were rated as "probably high" risk of confounding bias because of inability to adjust for underlying comorbidities/family history of diseases in their statistical models. Forty-six percent and 14% of the studies were rated as "probably high" risk of bias for exposure and outcome measurements, respectively. Future studies with robust design will further help elucidate the linkages between urban built environment and cardiovascular health, thereby informing planning policies for creating healthy cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Yan Lai
- Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Knowles Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Knowles Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Chris Webster
- Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Knowles Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Knowles Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Urban Systems Institute, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - John Ej Gallacher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Chinmoy Sarkar
- Healthy High Density Cities Lab, HKUrbanLab, The University of Hong Kong, Knowles Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Knowles Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
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Wang K, Yuan Y, Wang Q, Yang Z, Zhan Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Zhang Y. Incident risk and burden of cardiovascular diseases attributable to long-term NO 2 exposure in Chinese adults. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108060. [PMID: 37478679 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of studies suggested a nexus between long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), while population-based cohort evidence in low- and middle-income countries was extensively sparse. METHODS We carried out an 8-year longitudinal study (2010-2018) in a nationwide dynamic cohort of 36,948 Chinese adult participants, who were free of CVD at baseline. Annual average estimates of NO2 exposure were predicted using a well-validated spatiotemporal model and assigned to study participants based on their residential counties. Considering death as a competing risk event, Fine-Gray competing risk models with time-varying exposures at an annual scale were used to quantify incident risks of overall CVD, hypertension, and stroke associated with a 10-μg/m3 rise in NO2 exposure. Using the meta-analysis approach, we performed a pooled analysis of hazard ratio (HR) drawn from this and prior multinational cohort studies for the assessment of attributable burden. NO2-attributable overall CVD incidents in China were evaluated by city and province for years 2010 and 2018, referring to a counterfactual exposure level of 10 μg/m3 (2021 World Health Organization [WHO] air quality guidelines). A decomposition method was used to decompose net change in NO2-attributable CVD incidents during 2010 and 2018 into 3 primary contributions of driving factors (i.e., changes in NO2 exposure, population size, and incidence rate). RESULTS A total of 4428 overall CVD events (hypertension 2448, stroke 1044) occurred during a median follow-up period of 6.1 years. Annual mean NO2 concentration from 2010 to 2018 was 20.0 μg/m3 (range: 6.9-57.4 μg/m3). An increase of 10-µg/m3 in NO2 was associated with an HR of 1.558 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.477, 1.642) for overall CVD, 1.521 (95% CI: 1.419, 1.631) for hypertension, and 1.664 (95% CI: 1.485, 1.865) for stroke. Longitudinal associations of NO2 exposure with incident CVD were nearly linear over the exposure range, suggesting no discernible thresholds. Subgroup analyses indicated significantly higher NO2-associated risks of incident CVD among urban residents and overweight/obese individuals. According to pooled HR of NO2-CVD association (1.108, 95% CI: [1.007, 1.219]) from 10 multinational cohort studies, we estimated totally 1.44 million incident CVD cases attributable to NO2 exposure in 2018, representing a substantial decrease of 0.41 million compared to the estimate in 2010 (1.85 million) in mainland of China. Nationally, from 2010 to 2018, the attributable incident cases greatly dropped by 22.4%, which was dominantly driven by declined NO2 concentration (-47.1%) that had offset far from the rise of CVD incidence rate (+19.6%) and population growth (+5.1%). CONCLUSIONS This study provided nationwide cohort evidence for elevated risks of CVD incidence associated with long-term ambient NO2 exposure among Chinese adults, particularly in urban areas and among overweight/obese individuals. Our findings highlighted that reducing NO2 exposure below 2021 WHO guideline could help prevent a substantial portion of incident CVD cases in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Institute of Social Development and Health Management, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Yang Yuan
- Institute of Social Development and Health Management, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Qun Wang
- School of Public Health, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Zhiming Yang
- School of Economics and Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yu Zhan
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610065, China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Institute of Social Development and Health Management, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China.
| | - Yunquan Zhang
- Institute of Social Development and Health Management, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China.
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Jones L, Zenko Z. A systematic narrative review of extrinsic strategies to improve affective responses to exercise. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1186986. [PMID: 37496882 PMCID: PMC10366615 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1186986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Extrinsic strategies affect the exercise experience but fall outside the frequency, intensity, time, and type (i.e., dose-determining) principles. To our knowledge, no systematic review has focused on extrinsic strategies to influence the affective responses to exercise. The objective was to identify extrinsic strategies that seek to influence affective responses during exercise and other motivationally relevant variables including post-exercise momentary affective valence, remembered and forecasted pleasure, and enjoyment. Methods For inclusion, eligible articles reported peer-reviewed original research, used acute bouts of exercise, and used a dimensional approach for measuring affective responses or measured enjoyment post-exercise. Web of Science, PubMed, and PsychINFO databases were last searched on 10th September 2021. Quality assessment was completed following the Effective Public Health Practice Project approach. Results were presented using a narrative synthesis. Results 125 studies were included with sample descriptions, study design (extrinsic strategies, mode, type, intensity, and duration), measurement details, and results summarised for each study. Conclusions 71% of studies were categorised as Weak according to the quality assessment tool with sampling practices (self-referred participants) and poor reporting of participant withdrawals/drop-outs the predominant reasons for Weak ratings. A wide variety of extrinsic strategies were reported with music, music videos, immersive virtual reality, outdoor exercise, caffeine, high-to-low pattern of exercise intensity, self-selected exercise intensity, and manipulation of self-efficacy offering promise as suitable strategies to positively change how people feel during exercise. Systematic Review Registration https://osf.io/jbh8v/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leighton Jones
- Health Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Zachary Zenko
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University Bakersfield, Bakersfield, CA, United States
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42
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Khomenko S, Pisoni E, Thunis P, Bessagnet B, Cirach M, Iungman T, Barboza EP, Khreis H, Mueller N, Tonne C, de Hoogh K, Hoek G, Chowdhury S, Lelieveld J, Nieuwenhuijsen M. Spatial and sector-specific contributions of emissions to ambient air pollution and mortality in European cities: a health impact assessment. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e546-e558. [PMID: 37393093 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient air pollution is a major risk to health and wellbeing in European cities. We aimed to estimate spatial and sector-specific contributions of emissions to ambient air pollution and evaluate the effects of source-specific reductions in pollutants on mortality in European cities to support targeted source-specific actions to address air pollution and promote population health. METHODS We conducted a health impact assessment of data from 2015 for 857 European cities to estimate source contributions to annual PM2·5 and NO2 concentrations using the Screening for High Emission Reduction Potentials for Air quality tool. We evaluated contributions from transport, industry, energy, residential, agriculture, shipping, and aviation, other, natural, and external sources. For each city and sector, three spatial levels were considered: contributions from the same city, the rest of the country, and transboundary. Mortality effects were estimated for adult populations (ie, ≥20 years) following standard comparative risk assessment methods to calculate the annual mortality preventable on spatial and sector-specific reductions in PM2·5 and NO2. FINDINGS We observed strong variability in spatial and sectoral contributions among European cities. For PM2·5, the main contributors to mortality were the residential (mean contribution of 22·7% [SD 10·2]) and agricultural (18·0% [7·7]) sectors, followed by industry (13·8% [6·0]), transport (13·5% [5·8]), energy (10·0% [6·4]), and shipping (5·5% [5·7]). For NO2, the main contributor to mortality was transport (48·5% [SD 15·2]), with additional contributions from industry (15·0% [10·8]), energy (14·7% [12·9]), residential (10·3% [5·0]), and shipping (9·7% [12·7]). The mean city contribution to its own air pollution mortality was 13·5% (SD 9·9) for PM2·5 and 34·4% (19·6) for NO2, and contribution increased among cities of largest area (22·3% [12·2] for PM2·5 and 52·2% [19·4] for NO2) and among European capitals (29·9% [12·5] for PM2·5 and 62·7% [14·7] for NO2). INTERPRETATION We estimated source-specific air pollution health effects at the city level. Our results show strong variability, emphasising the need for local policies and coordinated actions that consider city-level specificities in source contributions. FUNDING Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, State Research Agency, Generalitat de Catalunya, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en red Epidemiología y Salud Pública, and Urban Burden of Disease Estimation for Policy Making 2023-2026 Horizon Europe project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Khomenko
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrico Pisoni
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
| | | | | | - Marta Cirach
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tamara Iungman
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Evelise Pereira Barboza
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Haneen Khreis
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Natalie Mueller
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cathryn Tonne
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kees de Hoogh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerard Hoek
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Ji
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Di Xi
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Feng Q, Fan CQ, Wang JJ, Wang H, Wu DM, Nassis GP, Wang M, Wang HJ. The effects of green space and physical activity on muscle strength: a national cross-sectional survey with 128,759 Chinese adults. Front Public Health 2023; 11:973158. [PMID: 37265516 PMCID: PMC10230031 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.973158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Muscle strength is closely related to chronic noncommunicable diseases; specifically, a decline in handgrip strength (HS) is predominant globally. Exposure to green space-built environment components used for health intervention-reportedly decreases the risk of certain diseases and all-cause mortality. However, evidence in this area is limited. Objective We aimed to explore the association between green space exposure and muscle strength and ascertain the combined effect of physical activity and green space exposure on muscle strength. Method Data from 128,759 participants (aged 20-79 years) were obtained using a complex stratified multistage probability cluster sampling design. The green space was assessed as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data for a 500-m buffer zone based on the geolocation information of sampling sites. We used a questionnaire to investigate transportation, occupation, physical activity, leisure-time exercise behaviors, and sedentary time within a usual week of the preceding year. The outcome was low relative HS, defined as HS-to-body weight ratio, and the percentage of men and women with relative HS in the lower third. We defined adequate physical activity as 150 min of moderate-intensity or 75 min of vigorous physical activity per week and calculated the weighted proportion of participants with insufficient physical activity. Categorical variables of NDVI and physical activity were used as exposure variables and their interrelationship was evaluated in a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We measured interaction on an additive or multiplicative scale using a GLMM to test the interaction between green space exposure and physical activity. All analyses were performed for the total sample and subgroups (urban and rural). Result The high NDVI group had a lower risk of low relative HS than the low NDVI group (OR [95% CI]: 0.92 [0.88-0.95]). The sufficient physical activity group had a lower risk of low relative HS than the insufficient physical activity group (OR [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.81-0.88]). There was an interactive effect on the additive scale (relative excess risk owing to interaction: 0.29, 95% CI 0.22-0.36, p < 0.001) between green space exposure and physical activity. Conclusion High NDVI and adequate physical activity were protective factors against low relative HS in Chinese adults. Increasing green space exposure and physical activity together may have a greater potentiating effect on muscle strength improvement than these two protective factors individually. Green spaces should be incorporated into city design or built environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Feng
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Chao-Qun Fan
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Ming Wu
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - George P. Nassis
- Physical Education Department–College of Education (CEDU), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Jun Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Dzhambov AM, Dimitrova V, Germanova N, Burov A, Brezov D, Hlebarov I, Dimitrova R. Joint associations and pathways from greenspace, traffic-related air pollution, and noise to poor self-rated general health: A population-based study in Sofia, Bulgaria. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116087. [PMID: 37169139 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is still known of how multiple urban exposures interact as health determinants. This study investigated various ways in which greenspace, traffic-related air pollution, and noise could operate together, influencing general health status. METHODS In 2022, a cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted in Sofia, Bulgaria. Included were 917 long-term adult residents who completed questionnaires on poor self-rated health (PSRH), total time spent in physical activity (PA), home garden presence, time spent in urban greenspace and nature, and sociodemographics. Residential greenspace was operationalized using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), tree cover density, number of trees, and access to local greenspace and parks. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was modeled for the study area. Road traffic, railway, and aircraft day-evening-night sound levels (Lden) were extracted from EU noise maps. Area-level income and urbanicity were considered. Analyses included multivariate ordinal regressions, interactions, and structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS Associations with PSRH were per 0.10 NDVI 300 m: OR = 0.65 (0.42-1.01), home garden: OR = 0.72 (0.49-1.07), per 5 μg/m3 NO2: OR = 1.57 (1.00-2.48), per 5 dB(A) Lden road traffic: OR = 1.06 (0.91-1.23), railway: OR = 1.11 (1.03-1.20), and aircraft: OR = 1.22 (1.11-1.34). Spending >30 min/week in nature related to better health. In multi-exposure models, only associations with aircraft and railway Lden persisted. People with lower education and financial difficulties or living in poorer districts experienced some exposures stronger. In SEM, time spent in nature and PA mediated the effect of greenspace. CONCLUSIONS Greenspace was associated with better general health, with time spent in nature and PA emerging as intermediate pathways. NO2, railway, and aircraft noise were associated with poorer general health. These results could inform decision-makers, urban planners, and civil society organizations facing urban development problems. Mitigation and abatement policies and measures should target socioeconomically disadvantaged citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel M Dzhambov
- Department of Hygiene, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.
| | - Veronika Dimitrova
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Bulgaria
| | - Nevena Germanova
- Department of Spatial and Strategic Planning of Sofia Municipality - Sofiaplan, Bulgaria
| | - Angel Burov
- Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", SRIPD, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Bulgaria
| | - Danail Brezov
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Transportation Engineering, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Bulgaria
| | - Ivaylo Hlebarov
- Clean Air Team, Environmental Association Za Zemiata, Bulgaria
| | - Reneta Dimitrova
- Department of Meteorology and Geophysics, Faculty of Physics, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Bulgaria; National Institute of Geophysics, Geodesy and Geography, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria
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Escobar-Bravo R, Lin PA, Waterman JM, Erb M. Dynamic environmental interactions shaped by vegetative plant volatiles. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:840-865. [PMID: 36727645 PMCID: PMC10132087 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00061j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Covering: up to November 2022Plants shape terrestrial ecosystems through physical and chemical interactions. Plant-derived volatile organic compounds in particular influence the behavior and performance of other organisms. In this review, we discuss how vegetative plant volatiles derived from leaves, stems and roots are produced and released into the environment, how their production and release is modified by abiotic and biotic factors, and how they influence other organisms. Vegetative plant volatiles are derived from different biosynthesis and degradation pathways and are released via distinct routes. Both biosynthesis and release are regulated by other organisms as well as abiotic factors. In turn, vegetative plant volatiles modify the physiology and the behavior of a wide range of organisms, from microbes to mammals. Several concepts and frameworks can help to explain and predict the evolution and ecology of vegetative plant volatile emission patterns of specific pathways: multifunctionality of specialized metabolites, chemical communication displays and the information arms race, and volatile physiochemistry. We discuss how these frameworks can be leveraged to understand the evolution and expression patterns of vegetative plant volatiles. The multifaceted roles of vegetative plant volatiles provide fertile grounds to understand ecosystem dynamics and harness their power for sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Po-An Lin
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jamie M Waterman
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Matthias Erb
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Vidal Yañez D, Pereira Barboza E, Cirach M, Daher C, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Mueller N. An urban green space intervention with benefits for mental health: A health impact assessment of the Barcelona "Eixos Verds" Plan. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107880. [PMID: 37002012 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health disorders account for over 30% of the global burden of disease. There is a positive association between green space exposure and better mental health, and therefore urban greening can be an effective public health tool. Barcelona is a compact city with one of the highest population and traffic densities in Europe, with limited green spaces. Under the umbrella of the Superblock model, the Barcelona City council is implementing the Eixos Verds Plan for extensive street greening. We estimated the potential mental health benefits of this plan. METHODS We performed a quantitative health impact assessment at the Barcelona grid-cell level (n = 1,096). We compared the baseline green space situation (2015) with the proposed plan and translated the increase in green space into a) percentage of green area (%GA) and b) NDVI. We combined exposure data with Barcelona-specific mental health risk estimates, adult population (n = 1,235,375), and mental health data, and calculated preventable cases. FINDINGS Under the Eixos Verds Plan, we estimated an average increase of 5·67 %GA (range: 0·00% - 15·77%) and 0·059 NDVI (range: 0·000 - 0·312). We estimated that with the Eixos Verds Plan implementation, 31,353 (95%CI: 18,126-42,882) cases of self-perceived poor mental health (14·03% of total), 16,800 (95%CI: 6828-25,700) visits to mental health specialists (13·37% of total), 13,375 (95%CI: 6107-19,184) cases of antidepressant use (13·37% of total), and 9476 (95%CI: 802-16,391) cases of tranquilliser/ sedative use (8·11% of total) could be prevented annually, along corresponding to over 45 M € annual savings in mental health costs annually. INTERPRETATION Our results highlight the importance of urban greening as a public health tool to improve mental health in cities. Similar results for green interventions in other cities could be expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Vidal Yañez
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Evelise Pereira Barboza
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Cirach
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolyn Daher
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Natalie Mueller
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Song J, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Qin W, Pan R, Yi W, Xu Z, Cheng J, Su H. Premature mortality attributable to NO 2 exposure in cities and the role of built environment: A global analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161395. [PMID: 36621501 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental risks accumulate in cities, including polluted air and health disparities, but these risks can be reduced through scientific city planning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the global burden of premature mortality attributable to NO2 exposure in urban areas and the role of the built environment in this regard. METHODS An approach based on health impact assessment was used to estimate the premature mortality burdens associated with NO2 exposure in 13,169 urban areas around the world using globally gridded NO2 and population estimates, baseline mortality, and epidemiologically derived exposure-response functions. We used the most recent WHO recommended value (i.e.,10 μg/m3) as a counterfactual concentration. Finally, the relationship between the characteristics of the built environment at the city level and the burden of NO2-related mortality was evaluated. RESULTS Worldwide, 549,715(95%CI: 276204-815,023) cases of death attributable to NO2 exposure in urban areas could be prevented if compliance with the latest WHO guideline, accounting for 2.7 % (95%CI:1.4 %-4.0 %) of total mortalities in 2019. Across cities around the world, the age-standardized mortality rate (per 100,000 people) attributable to NO2 exposure ranged from 51.3 (95%CI:25.8-76.0) in Central Asia to 3.4(95%CI: 1.7-5.1) in Oceania. Although there was a significant decrease in premature mortality attributable to NO2 exposure globally, considerable regional heterogeneity exists, with cities in Central Asia and Andean Latin America in particular exhibiting an upward trend. Further, we discovered a positive association between population density and street connectivity with mortality attributable to NO2. While the increase in green and blue space were significantly associated with a lower NO2-associated mortality. CONCLUSION The findings of this study provided a comprehensive understanding of the premature mortality burden due to NO2 in cities throughout the world and the role that urban planning policies can play in reducing the health burden associated with air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, China
| | - Yuling Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, China
| | - Wei Qin
- Lu'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lu'an, Anhui, China
| | - Rubing Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, China
| | - Weizhuo Yi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhiwei Xu
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jian Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, China.
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Connolly R, Lipsitt J, Aboelata M, Yañez E, Bains J, Jerrett M. The association of green space, tree canopy and parks with life expectancy in neighborhoods of Los Angeles. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107785. [PMID: 36921560 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Substantial evidence suggests that access to urban green spaces and parks is associated with positive health outcomes, including decreased mortality. Few existing studies have investigated the association between green spaces and life expectancy (LE), and none have used small-area data in the U.S. Here we used the recently released U.S. Small-Area Life Expectancy Estimates Project data to quantify the relationship between LE and green space in Los Angeles County, a large diverse region with inequities in park access. We developed a model to quantify the association between green space and LE at the census tract level. We evaluated three green space metrics: normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI, 0.6-meter scale), percent tree canopy cover, and accessible park acres. We statistically adjusted for 15 other determinants of LE. We also developed conditional autoregressive models to account for spatial dependence. Tree canopy and NDVI were both significantly associated with higher LE. For an interquartile range (IQR) increase in each metric respectively, the spatial models demonstrated a 0.24 to 0.33-year increase in LE. Tree canopy and NDVI also modified the effect of park acreage on LE. ln areas with tree canopy levels below the county median, an IQR increase in park acreage was associated with an increase of 0.12 years. Although on an individual level these effects were modest, we predicted 155,300 years of LE gains across the population in LA County if all areas below median tree canopy were brought to the county median of park acres. If tree canopy or NDVI were brought to median levels, between 570,300 and 908,800 years of LE could be gained. The majority of potential gains are in areas with predominantly Hispanic/Latinx and Black populations. These findings suggest that equitable access to green spaces could result in substantial population health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Connolly
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Jonah Lipsitt
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Manal Aboelata
- Prevention Institute, 4315 Leimert Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008, United States
| | - Elva Yañez
- Prevention Institute, 4315 Leimert Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008, United States
| | - Jasneet Bains
- Prevention Institute, 4315 Leimert Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008, United States
| | - Michael Jerrett
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
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Martinez ADLI, Labib SM. Demystifying normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for greenness exposure assessments and policy interventions in urban greening. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115155. [PMID: 36584843 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Most nature and health research use the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for measuring greenness exposure. However, little is known about what NDVI measures in terms of vegetation types (e.g., canopy, grass coverage) within certain analysis zones (e.g., 500 m buffer). Additionally, exploration is needed to understand how to interpret changes in average NDVI (e.g., per 0.1 increments) exposure in relation to changes in vegetation amount and types. In this study, we aimed to explore what vegetation types and amounts best explain the average NDVI and how changes in average NDVI values indicate changes in different vegetation coverages. We used spatial modeling to sample mean NDVI and percentages of vegetation for sample locations within the Greater Manchester case study area. We fitted linear, nonlinear, and mixed multivariate and univariate generalized additive models (GAMs) for multiple spatial scales to identify the relationships between NDVI and vegetation amount and types. Our results showed that the relationships between NDVI and individual vegetation types mostly follow nonlinear trends. We found that canopy and shrubs coverage exhibited a greater influence on mean NDVI exposure values than grass coverage at 300 and 500 m indicating that NDVI values are sensitive to certain types and amounts of vegetation within various buffer zones. We also identified increment in mean NDVI exposure values at lower, mid, and high ranges might be associated with varying changes in total greenspace percentage and individual vegetation types. For instance, at 300 m buffer, an increment of mean NDVI in the lower range (e.g., from 0.2 to 0.3) is associated with an about 17% increase in greenspace percentage. Overall, interpreting changes in NDVI values for urban greening interventions would require careful evaluation of the relative changes in types and quantities of vegetation for different buffer zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex de la Iglesia Martinez
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Vening Meineszgebouw A, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - S M Labib
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Vening Meineszgebouw A, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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